DAGOBA Organic Chocolate Announces the One for All Cacao Project

One of America’s Original, Organic Artisan Chocolates Unveils New Look, New Flavors and Nonprofit Initiative To Empower Women in Cacao Communities

ASHLAND, Ore., June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DAGOBA Organic Chocolate, an artisan chocolate brand that has been crafting organic chocolate from responsibly-sourced ingredients since 2001, is celebrating World Rainforest Day with a new look, new delicious flavors and a nonprofit initiative to empower women living in communities that source DAGOBA cacao beans.

Sixteen years after it was founded, DAGOBA chocolate remains true to its original mission to craft chocolate that both Tastes Good, Does Good. DAGOBA responsibly sources its ingredients and supports the cacao communities by using only USDA certified organic cacao beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms as well as Non-GMO Project Verified ingredients.

As the brand expands its presence nationally, DAGOBA chocolate has continued to embody its mission by supporting infrastructural, educational and women’s self-empowerment initiatives within cacao communities with the launch of the One for All CacaoProject.

“DAGOBA has always embraced the belief that chocolate has a deeper purpose, and we continue to explore the many ways we can support that purpose as we evolve,” says Susie Picken Burch, Senior Brand Manager for DAGOBA Organic Chocolate. “The One for All CacaoProject allows us to shine a light on the unique challenges and opportunities facing the women who grow and harvest our cacao and recognize their potential to transform their communities. DAGOBA will invest in grassroots programs to support these women, empower them to implement change within their community’s infrastructure and sustain the viability of their village resources.”

The One for All Cacao Project is a nonprofit fund that invests in infrastructure and education while continuing to drive women’s self-empowerment in cacao communities in Peru, Tanzania, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic that source DAGOBA chocolate’s cacao beans. In 2017, the fund will provide resources to the community of San Juan De Cheni, Peru for initiatives specifically identified by the women who live there.

“We’ve had the privilege of meeting with the women of San Juan de Cheni to better understand their challenges and hopes for their community,” says Katrina Briddell, Manager of Philanthropy and Community Engagement with DAGOBA Organic Chocolate. “As a continuation of those conversations, the One for All Cacao Project will invest in a community-led gender and development roadmap that identifies barriers to and opportunities for economic growth. The initiative will host workshops to identify potential solutions that will empower all community members in San Juan de Cheni – especially women – to thrive for generations to come.”

In addition to its commitment to sustainability and women’s empowerment, DAGOBA embraces its legacy as a pioneer of quality, organic chocolate that incorporates unique flavor infusions, blending combinations of fruits, herbs and flowers into rich chocolate to create delightful chocolate experiences.

“Our commitment to create strong cacao communities and empower the women who live in them inspired our partnership with Target stores,” said Picken Burch. “Shoppers are sure to find a favorite among these new bars. Even more importantly, they can indulge in each bite knowing that behind each DAGOBA Organic Chocolate bar, there’s a woman transforming her community and protecting cacao farming for future generations.”

For more information about DAGOBA Organic Chocolate and the One for All Cacao Project, visit DAGOBAchocolate.com.

ABOUT DAGOBA ORGANIC CHOCOLATEDAGOBA Organic Chocolate (est. 2001) crafts organic chocolate bars, drinking chocolate and baking products using artisan methods from cacao beans sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms in Peru, Tanzania, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. DAGOBA Organic products are USDA certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and contain Rainforest Alliance-certified ingredients. As part of its commitment to craft chocolate that Tastes Good, Does Good, DAGOBA Organic Chocolate supports the One for All Cacao Project, a nonprofit fund administered by the New Venture Fund that invests in grassroots programs that strengthen cacao communities and advance the role of women in cocoa production. Learn more at DAGOBAchocolate.com.

A woman in San Juan de Cheni, Peru spreads fermented cacao beans out to dry. All of the cacao beans from this farming community boast distinct fruity, floral tones that complement the unique flavors DAGOBA Organic Chocolate seeks to create. DAGOBA’s nonprofit initiative, the One for All Cacao Project, will empower women living in communities that source the Rainforest Alliance Certified (TM) cacao beans used to create its artisan chocolate.